Today's Women of Age

In a recent Southern Baptist Convention gathering, 75% of the members present voted that SBC churches may not act “to affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”

I was not surprised. But I was saddened.

Yes of course they cite Bible verses that affirm this restriction, such as 1 Timothy 2:12 written by the apostle Paul–“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man”–but do not share any of the cultural context behind this. What was happening in the community when this letter was sent? And let’s remember Jesus never taught this. And why does the SBC enforce this Paul edict, but not others like the one in 1 Corinthians 11 requiring women to wear head coverings when praying or prophesying. The SBC leaves that as a matter of “personal conviction.”

It seems a little convenient that male-dominated denominations cherry pick what portions of the Bible will be important. Right now “no female pastors” and “female submission” seem to be front and center. And I believe without a shadow of a doubt that a deep river of misogyny runs through these decisions.

On Facebook Sheila of “Bare Marriage” wrote about lamenting the SBC’s vote on no female pastors and received a torrent of negative comments on her FB page, including one from Scott Walker, a one-time student at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, saying “Bye bitches!”

This is her post in response to them.

Interestingly the newly elected SBC president, Willy Rice, believes the recently exposed decades-long sexual abuse coverup within the denomination is largely a hoax. So instead of repenting, cleaning house and bringing justice for survivors, SBC is choosing to double down on preventing women being in any leadership position within the denomination–which in my opinion is exactly what churches need! It needs to be less of a boy’s club.

For 30 years I have belonged to an “all play” church which amongst other things means that both men and women can teach and preach from the pulpit. Our current lead pastor is a woman. At other times it’s been a man. We have women on the leadership board. We believe that God speaks through everybody and uses everybody. Period. Gender does not factor in how you can serve the church. And it is refreshing and beautiful. And I believe biblical. Throughout Scripture, God has called and used women to lead His people, including men.

In the final judgment Jesus talks about separating the sheep from the goats with the sheep placed on the right hand, representing the righteous who showed compassion, fed the hungry, and cared for those in need. And the goats placed on the left hand, representing those who neglected to help others and failed to show love. Are you a sheep or a goat? Because in the end we are all responsible for our own faith, our own beliefs and how we act them out in the world. No one will be able to stand before God with the excuse “Well, that’s what my pastor taught me. That’s what I learned at church.” Something to think about.